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Page 490
"Show me where my squires are."
"My lord, time is of the essence, and"
Ian started to walk toward the door. Sir Peter uttered another sob and followed, pointing wordlessly to a second chamber with a closed door. A table stood outside, and on it lay a key. Ian unlocked the door and swung it open. Before he could step either inside or aside, both boys had launched themselves upon him. He staggered back and would have fallen had not Sir Peter caught him.
"Owain! Geoffrey!"
The sound of his voice froze them. They lowered the makeshift weapons they held and stared. Geoffrey burst into tears and embraced him. Owain stood panting. His hand half lifted the candlestick he bore, and his lips writhed back in a snarl when his eyes fell on Sir Peter.
"Not now, Owain," Ian warned. "Go belowcautiously Do not go too far from the stair at first, so that you may come up again in haste if you are pursued. If you are greeted easily, go find your armor and Geoffrey's and bring it here. Also" Ian turned toward Sir Peter. "Where are my men-at-arms?"
"Two nights ago I put them out of the keep. I did them no hurt. They had their arms and their horses."
Ian passed a hand across his face. "I do believe you are quite mad," he said amazedly.
"I do believe it also," Sir Peter muttered.
"They have been with me long," Ian pointed out. "Did you not realize they would fly either to my lady or to my vassals to seek succor for me?"
"Your vassals? I did not think of that. I was sure the Welshmen would run to Lord Llewelyn."
Ian's mouth opened to ask another question. Then he shook his head. "Go, Owain. Geoffrey, you come with me and help me arm. You also, Sir Peter. And I think you had better begin this tale of yours before I run mad."

 
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